In this P&P variation we have an Elizabeth Bennet whose charms seem to be irresistible to the male sex. She seems to attract unwanted suitors and propIn this P&P variation we have an Elizabeth Bennet whose charms seem to be irresistible to the male sex. She seems to attract unwanted suitors and proposals everywhere she goes. This leads to some contention in the family and the result is Mr. Bennet giving an unrealistic ultimatum to his second daughter.
This book was just okay for me. There were things I liked and things I didn't and while I'm not sorry I read it, it is not something I would read again. This author is very talented and the book is well written and flows nicely. There was some nice scenes between D&E and I liked the development of their relationship and the opportunities they had to get to know each other well enough to overcome some of their prejudices and misconceptions. There is little true angst, making it a lighter read. I'm sure the idea of Elizabeth receiving seven marriage proposals by the end of the book is supposed to be comedic, but honestly, it was a little tiresome for my tastes. While I love Elizabeth Bennet- why else do JAFF readers keep coming back for more?!?- it's just not my favorite plot tool when every man who encounters her falls under her spell. I also found it in poor taste that these many refused proposals were bandied about for all to know and gossip about. It would be in poor taste to share such personal and delicate matters widely around in our day, so to do so in this time period does not speak well of our lovely heroine. Even though it may not be meant to be taken too seriously, I didn't find everyone throwing Mr. Collins's unsuccessful proposals in his face over and over again very entertaining. Lack of discretion and overly loose tongues are just things that I struggle with in period stories. Mr. Bennet's ultimatum, which was IMO ridiculous to begin with, was being talked of all over Meryton, London and even Rosings. These are private family matters and it's just not plausible or appropriate for it to be on everyone's tongues.
I have enjoyed many stories by this author. This one is well written, it just wasn't the most appealing one to my tastes. Fortunately for the author, I am in the minority on this one. I will continue to read her books as I always find them well written and well developed....more
4.5 rounded up. This is a short fairy tale like story that is well written and enjoyable. There is a touch of a mystery as Mr. Darcy seems to have van4.5 rounded up. This is a short fairy tale like story that is well written and enjoyable. There is a touch of a mystery as Mr. Darcy seems to have vanished, leaving Pemberley to deteriorate and crumble and as the object of what seems to be a curse. We learn some Darcy family history regarding Mr. Darcy senior and the effects of his actions on his son as the pieces of the puzzle are put together.
There are so many great elements to this story. Of course a hero and heroine, a villain, a touch of fairy tale magic, curses, mystery and more. One fun twist is this story has the hero playing the role of the usual “damsel in distress” and it is the fair maiden that has the opportunity to be the knight in shining armor. There is a nice romance that develops between Darcy and Elizabeth that was very sweet and romantic. The resolution of the story demonstrates the importance of certain virtues learned and practiced and the power of healing and forgiveness.
This story was so engaging and I didn’t want to put it down. My only disappointment was that it was shorter than I wanted it to be. As mentioned, this is a short book and I was enjoying it so much that I wanted the characters and the story to be more developed. I would have loved this to be a longer and I would have loved to know more of the story. With that being said, if you love P&P, this is such a charming and winsome story that you can’t go wrong.
This was an engaging and interesting introduction to a Regency family called the Richmond. This story centers around the Earl of Tipton and his three This was an engaging and interesting introduction to a Regency family called the Richmond. This story centers around the Earl of Tipton and his three sons, the Viscount Charles, Damian, and Robert. Each son has a very different character and personality and this story allows us to see what drives and motivates each of the brothers.
The youngest son, Robert, commits the unpardonable sin of aristocratic England by falling in love with a women of inferior birth. He becomes estranged from his family, but establishes a happy circumstance for himself by pursuing his own dreams. Of course, families are always inexplicably connected and this story shows how the actions and circumstances of all the family members intertwine and affect eachother. The stage was set for stories and even potential scandals in the future.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to seeing some of the seeds that were planted in this prequel take root and how they develop in the upcoming series. The book was well written and well paced. A very promising beginning to a new series....more
4.5 rounded up. This was a nice anthology of short stories based on the characters of P&P. There are nine stories altogether. This is a very varied co4.5 rounded up. This was a nice anthology of short stories based on the characters of P&P. There are nine stories altogether. This is a very varied collection that offers a little of everything. Something to appeal to just about everyone. There were regency, modern and even magical stories. The stories were low angst and sweet and provided a lot of light hearted enjoyment. The authors here are extremely talented and I found all the stories well written and they all flowed nicely.
As with all anthologies, I enjoyed some more than others, but they were all good. My personal favorite was Amy D’Orazio’s Pink Party Punch. I love all of Amy’s books and this story was a lot of fun. It is a modern where Darcy and Elizabeth begin a friendly competition of party games at Jane’s baby shower. Lots of fun ensues when these two competitive and successful people battle for victory. Modern variations aren’t usually my favorite, but this author’s writing is so clever and fun in any genre and I loved it. The banter and chemistry between D&E was delicious!
If you enjoy JAFF, this is a great collection to have. If you don’t have a lot of time and need a quick JAFF pick me up, there is always a story to do the trick. They aren’t long, so you can choose one and read it in one sitting and walk away satisfied and content!...more
I want to start off by saying that this author writes very well. He is very talented can put together quite a saga as the cover indicates. This story I want to start off by saying that this author writes very well. He is very talented can put together quite a saga as the cover indicates. This story has so many different elements and characters that there is always a lot going on.
If you are looking for a book with a complex group of characters, military action and strategy and many nefarious schemes, this is a great choice. There were so many characters and plots, that I honestly had trouble at times keeping everything straight. There was a lot of action if not a lot of romance. This book is very detailed, which is important with such complex plots, but at times it can make the book drag and feel very long.
If you are looking for a great love story about our favorite P&P characters, this may not be a great choice. Darcy and Elizabeth were minor characters and did not get a lot of page time. Jane got more page time here, which I appreciated, but because there was so much going on, I wouldn’t say she was center stage. I like more romance and more Darcy when I read a book based on P&P, so in this, I was disappointed. This was definitely more of a history/military book than a romance.
The circumstances and characters are so very different that, for a P&P based book, it’s hard to recognize or make the connection. This is one of those books that I think would be better as an independent book and not based on P&P characters as the names are the only thing they have in common. I think people who enjoy this type of book would enjoy it on its own merits. Using the characters of a beloved book creates certain expectations and, while this book is well thought out and well written, doesn’t necessarily fall into what I think most people expect when reading a P&P based book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
This book challenges the "all you need is love" philosophy, even for a couple as iconic as Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. The couple are alreThis book challenges the "all you need is love" philosophy, even for a couple as iconic as Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. The couple are already in love and planning their happily ever after as the story begins. The angst here is not them learning to love, but circumstances making their union seem impossible despite that love.
Georgiana is at the heart of the story. Her experience with Wickham was much worse here than in canon. Wickham acted even more despicably and Georgiana's wounds were much deeper. She had her family including Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam and his parents and brother all rallying around her to protect her and try and aid in her recovery. Unfortunately, the traumatic events changed her and scarred her and she required much effort and support. Georgiana does not dislike Elizabeth and is, in fact, in favor of the marriage until it is discovered that Darcy's intended bride was now sister to the very man who almost destroyed her. This puts Georgiana in a tailspin and the family circle the wagons to protect her, even if it means insisting Darcy give up Elizabeth.
This is a very emotional story and, aside from Wickham, I don't know that there are really any villains. It's more just a very difficult situation with no easy answer or solution that would allow things to fall into place. This story is very well written and complex. I'm not sure I can completely embrace the way Darcy abandons Elizabeth without returning as planned to at least let her know their relationship is not going to work, but for the sake of the plot, I went with it. It's engaging and with an interesting plot. It is a long book and, while I enjoyed it, I did feel that it began to drag in parts. ODC did, of course, eventually find their HEA and it was worth the wait. ...more
This book is comprised of two short stories that were fun and romantic. Anytime there is anything new by Amy D'Orazio it is an automatic purchase for This book is comprised of two short stories that were fun and romantic. Anytime there is anything new by Amy D'Orazio it is an automatic purchase for me. I love her writing, wit and characters. This one did not disappoint. Lord Saye, a fan favorite, made his colorful appearance in this story and helped ODC find their way and entertained us along the way. L.M. Romano's story was also original and enjoyable. I read both stories back to back in one day and found them delightful and satisfying.
The first story, No Improper Pride, found Darcy and Elizabeth crossing paths after Hunsford much sooner than in canon. They have a second chance to get to know and understand each other with a little help from others. There was some fun and witty dialogue. Even Georgiana got in on the teasing as she roasted her elder cousin, Saye. That was unexpected in the best possible way and it had me laughing out loud. There was relatively little angst and it came from an unexpected source, but it was short lived and all worked out well. The second chance given to ODC was beautiful.
The second story, Insufficient Vanity, was original and enjoyable. The Wickhams take a big role in this story, but it is after their marriage and during their stay at Longbourn. I felt like the author did a great job painting an accurate picture of the character of both of the newly married Wickhams. There was great chemistry in this one between Darcy and Elizabeth and it was very satisfying. For a short story there was a great balance of substance angst and romance and I really enjoyed this and look forward to reading more from this author....more
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